SN65C3238PWG4 Texas Instruments Integrated Circuit (Small Outline Packages) In Stock
The SN65C3238PWG4 is a multi-channel EIA-232 line transceiver from Texas Instruments supporting 3 V to 5.5 V operation with 5 driver channels and Schmitt-trigger inputs for robust noise immunity. It integrates charge-pump circuitry to generate the ±5 V RS-232 levels from a single low-voltage supply, enabling direct interface between 3.3 V microcontrollers and legacy serial ports in a 28-pin SOIC package. The device is suited for industrial terminals, embedded computing boards, and telecommunications equipment requiring multi-port RS-232 connectivity.
- Manufacturer
- Texas Instruments
- Package
- Small Outline Packages
- Pin Count
- 28
- Lifecycle
- OBSOLETE
- Datasheet
- SN65C3238PWG4 Datasheet PDF
- Category
- Integrated Circuit
- Temp Range
- -40.0°C to 85.0°C
- RoHS
- Compliant
- Lead Time
- 3–7 business days
- Shipping
- DHL Express · Worldwide
What are the key features of SN65C3238PWG4?
- 5-channel EIA-232 / RS-232 line transceiver for multi-port serial communication
- 3 V to 5.5 V supply range compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems
- Schmitt-trigger inputs for improved noise immunity on long cable runs
- Integrated charge-pump to generate RS-232 ±5 V levels from a single supply
- 28-pin SOIC package for easy hand or automated soldering
- JEDEC JESD-609 e4 halogen-free, RoHS-compliant construction
What is SN65C3238PWG4 used for?
The SN65C3238PWG4 targets industrial control panels and embedded computing platforms that need to bridge 3.3 V microcontrollers to multiple RS-232 COM ports simultaneously. Its 5-channel configuration is especially useful in gateway routers, PLCs, and test instruments where several legacy serial peripherals share a single interface chip. Telecommunications access equipment and point-of-sale terminals also rely on this device for reliable multi-port RS-232 data transmission over distances up to 15 m.
What are the specifications of SN65C3238PWG4?
| YTEOL | 0 |
| Additional Feature | CAN ALSO OPERATE WITH A 5V SUPPLY |
| Differential Output | NO |
| Driver Number of Bits | 5 |
| High Level Input Current-Max | 0.000001A |
| Input Characteristics | SCHMITT TRIGGER |
| Interface IC Type | LINE TRANSCEIVER |
| Interface Standard | EIA-232 |
| JESD-30 Code | R-PDSO-G28 |
| JESD-609 Code | e4 |
| Number of Functions | 3 |
| Out Swing-Min | 10V |
| Output Characteristics | 3-STATE |
| Output Low Current-Max | 0.0016A |
| Output Polarity | INVERTED |
| Package Body Material | PLASTIC/EPOXY |
| Package Equivalence Code | TSSOP28,.25 |
| Package Shape | RECTANGULAR |
| Package Style | SMALL OUTLINE, THIN PROFILE, SHRINK PITCH |
| Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel) | 260 |
| Qualification Status | Not Qualified |
| Receiver Number of Bits | 3 |
| Supply Current-Max | 2mA |
| Supply Voltage-Max | 3.6V |
| Supply Voltage-Min | 3V |
| Supply Voltage-Nom | 3.3V |
| Supply Voltage1-Max | 3.6V |
| Supply Voltage1-Min | 3V |
| Supply Voltage1-Nom | 3.3V |
| Surface Mount | YES |
| Technology | BIPOLAR |
| Temperature Grade | INDUSTRIAL |
| Terminal Finish | Nickel/Palladium/Gold (Ni/Pd/Au) |
| Terminal Form | GULL WING |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.65mm |
| Terminal Position | DUAL |
| Time@Peak Reflow Temperature-Max (s) | 30 |
| Package | Small Outline Packages |
Compliance & Regulatory
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Pb-Free) |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | MSL 1 |
| ECCN | EAR99 |
| HTS Code | 8542.39.00.60 |
Where can I find the SN65C3238PWG4 datasheet?
SN65C3238PWG4 Datasheet DownloadOfficial datasheet from Texas Instruments
What are equivalent replacements for SN65C3238PWG4?
No known alternates. Submit an RFQ and our team can suggest alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SN65C3238PWG4 operate RS-232 signaling from a 3.3 V supply without an external boost converter?
The SN65C3238PWG4 includes an integrated charge-pump voltage converter that internally generates the ±5 V levels required by the EIA-232 standard from a single 3 V to 5.5 V supply rail. Only a few small external capacitors are needed for the charge-pump, keeping BOM count low while driving RS-232 cable loads of up to 1 µA input current per receiver line.
Which system designs benefit most from having 5 RS-232 driver channels in a single package?
Industrial gateways, PLCs, and test-and-measurement instruments that need to communicate simultaneously with 5 serial peripherals such as barcode readers, modems, and serial sensors benefit most from the SN65C3238PWG4's 5-channel integration. Consolidating all 5 transceivers in one 28-pin SOIC package reduces PCB area, simplifies power distribution, and cuts BOM cost compared to using five discrete single-channel RS-232 ICs.
Does the Schmitt-trigger input topology improve reliability on long RS-232 cable runs?
Yes, the Schmitt-trigger input on each receiver channel adds hysteresis that prevents false switching when the incoming RS-232 signal rises or falls slowly due to long cable capacitance on runs approaching 15 m at standard baud rates. This input structure also provides inherent noise rejection of small voltage spikes riding on the EIA-232 signal, maintaining a clean digital output even in electrically noisy industrial cabinet environments.
Can the SN65C3238PWG4 replace a 5 V-only RS-232 transceiver in a legacy board redesign targeting a 3.3 V MCU?
Yes, the SN65C3238PWG4's 3 V to 5.5 V supply range means it can run directly from the 3.3 V rail of a modern MCU without a level shifter, while still producing EIA-232 compliant output levels. Its 28-pin SOIC footprint is compatible with many legacy RS-232 transceiver packages, making it a straightforward drop-in replacement in board redesigns that migrate from a 5 V microcontroller to a 3.3 V device.
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About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments (TI) is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. TI designs and manufactures analog and embedded processing chips used in industrial, automotive, consumer, communications, and enterprise systems.
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